Arlys Gloria Schmeling

Obituary

     Arlys Gloria (Brede) Schmeling was born on March 1, 1926, in Osceola Township, rural Hector, Minnesota, the daughter of Walter and Erna (Trapp) Brede.  She was baptized on April 4, 1926, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brookfield Township, by Rev. Koening, and confirmed her faith there as a youth on April 21, 1940, by Rev. E. J. Kaiser.  She attended District 138 School, Osceola Township, and attended Hector High School, graduating in 1944. 

     On October 16, 1946, she was united in marriage to Elmer Schmeling at Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. E. J. Kaiser.  This marriage was blessed with five children, Kenneth, Shirley, Donna, David, and Lisa.  Arlys and Elmer made their home northwest of Hector where they farmed for many years.  They shared 54 years of marriage.  They continued living on the farm after retirement.  Elmer passed away on April 30, 2001.  After Elmer passed away, she stayed on the home farm with son, David, who continues to farm. 

     Arlys enjoyed gardening and helping with the daily chores with the chickens and cows on the farm.  She also liked to sew, making clothes for the children, quilts, and patched many pair of jeans for the family.  She liked to cook and bake; trying many new recipes.  She canned or froze the garden produce for the family to enjoy throughout the year. 

     Arlys was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brookfield Township.  She taught Sunday school for many years.  She was an active member of Women of the ELCA.  She sewed many quilt tops for Lutheran World Relief.

     Arlys enjoyed being with family and friends, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She also enjoyed visiting with relatives at reunions and celebrations, classmates at class reunions, and special cousin Gloria Krueger.  When she was no longer able to be physically active, she enjoyed reading and doing word puzzles.  She entered Buffalo Lake Healthcare the fall of 2013. 

     In the early morning hours of Thursday, August 20, 2015, Arlys passed away at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center, having reached the age of 89 years.  Blessed be her memory.

     Arlys is survived by her: Children: Kenneth and wife Judy Schmeling of rural Lake Lillian, Shirley and husband Ronald Mortensen of rural Hector, Donna and husband Ron Bjur of Cosmos, David Schmeling of rural Hector, and Lisa and husband Mark Taylor of rural Buffalo Lake;  Grandchildren: Brenda Mortensen of Cosmos, Jeremy Mortensen of Buffalo Lake,  Melissa Mortensen of Willmar, and Dustin Mortensen of rural Hector, Jeff Bjur of Cosmos, Anita Bjur of Willmar, and Jesse and wife Janna Bjur of rural Litchfield, Nicholas Taylor and Alex Taylor of rural Buffalo Lake; Great-Grandchildren: Hunter Bjur, Jordan Bjur, and Jillian Bjur; Step-Grandchildren: James Randall of Brooklyn Park, JeAnn Graham of Brooklyn Park, Janae Lee of Shakopee, and Jon Randall of Victoria; Brother-in-law, Ray Schmeling and wife Lois; Sisters-in-law, Doris Schlueter and Evelyn Schmeling; Niece, Cheryl Lenertz and husband Tom of Tracy, Minnesota, and their family; and several other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     Arlys was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband Elmer, Sister Janice Koetje and Husband Henry, Brothers-in-law: Norbert Schmeling, Walter and wife Agnes Schmeling, Ernest Schmeling, Milton Schmeling, Daniel and wife Bernette Schmeling, Lloyd and wife Lorraine Schmeling, and Harvey Schlueter; Sisters-in-law: Margaret and husband Bill Wendorff, Mildred Nass, Eleanor and husband Harry Kurth, and Norma and husband Donald Olson.